I’d like to write a longer post about the extraordinary event last evening that kicked off the first ever Roots Pride Pittsburgh. I feel so grateful and honored to have been a part of it. Until I have that post completed, I wanted to post five short statements that I jotted down in my notes throughout the evening. These don’t encapsulate the fullness of the event, nor are they meant as any kind of summary. But they are five thoughts or ideas that seemed very important to me. They are almost quotes– I tried to capture what the person said, but the wording may not be fully accurate.

• Community is a place where I don’t have to explain my humanity or existence.
• Community is a support system.
• What does solidarity look like at this moment?
• Are you willing to have the uncomfortable conversations back in your regular cycle of friends and in your regular interactions?
• Pride and other large gatherings need quiet space too.